Recommendations

[stevebody]

Let me throw in with IK and second the Prosecco. Nothing at all against Cavas! I dearly love the Torre Oria Brut Natural and that little cheap gem, the Freixenet Carta Nevada; for my $$ one of the two or three best $5 bottles going. But, if she has a good palate for other things - food, chocolate, etc. - try her on a solid Prosecco like the Mionetto Legatura or their FABULOUS Sergio, one of the most graceful sub$20 bubblies I've ever tasted. It's delicate, balanced, and graceful and I've never poured it for anybody who didn't fall in love with it. The Zardetto is good, too, and a steal at $8.

Another frequently overlooked selection is the Oregon winery St. Innocent, which makes a delicious Brut de Noirs for about $14. GREAT stuff! And don't forget nearly everybody's fave oddball wine (for its origin, not its flavors) The wonderful Gruet Brut and Blanc de Noirs from New Mexico. About $14 and WORTH A LOT MORE.